At What Continuous Decibel Level Will Hearing Loss Occur?

Hearing loss can be something that happens to many people, and it can be caused from many different factors. Whether it’s something that is inherited or due to non-genetic reasons, there’s no one-size-fit-all when it comes to losing your hearing. Noise-induced hearing loss is something that causes you to lose your hearing somewhat due to a continuous level of loud sound or noises. In order to prevent this from happening to you, it’s worth knowing what measures you should be taking in order to avoid those danger levels that damage your ear health.

What is noise-induced hearing loss?

Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) can account for around 10 million Americans. NIHL can be caused by a one-time exposure of loud sound or a repeated exposure. Damage is caused to the hair cells that are found inside the cochlea. Once those cells are damaged, it can mean that there’s very little that can be done to repair them. If enough of those hair cells get damaged, hearing loss will result.

How sound is measured

Sound is measured through decibels, and there are different levels of decibels that are worth knowing when it comes to sound. Decibels can go below zero, and the average person will hear sounds down to zero db, and that is the level of rustling leaves. For those with very good hearing, you may be able to pick up sounds that have decibels of -15 and that can usually be a very distant sound or quiet whispering. The below gives you an example of the typical sounds and their decibel levels:

•    10 Decibels: Normal breathing
•    50 Decibels: Sound of a refrigerator
•    80 Decibels: Your morning alarm clock
•    100 Decibels: Factory machinery
•    120 Decibels: An ambulance siren

What are the dangerous levels of sound?

The dangers that come with sound are usually due to many of us thinking that certain sounds are lower in decibels and therefore, safe for our ears to hear. However, that’s not always the case. When it comes to measuring levels that are dangerous for the human ear, this usually starts at over 100 decibels to cause permanent damage, and this is where protecting your ears becomes very important.

But with that being said if you were surrounded by any sound at 85 decibels over a working day, this could also cause permanent damage. A loud personal music system is usually listened to at over 100 decibels and that can be a common occurrence for many of those who listen to music on their phone or music device.

There can be many dangerous noise levels both inside and outside of the workplace, so for some it might be unavoidable in places to stay away from loud noises that cause hearing loss.

Safety measurements you can take

Even though there are many dangers out there when it comes to noise levels, there are still plenty of measures you can do for yourself that can help avoid damage to your hearing. The most obvious is to avoid loud noises as this can be the main cause for hearing loss for all ages. Be wary of the industry or job you’re in and what levels of sounds surround you on a daily basis. Anywhere that involves loud machinery or music, like event work, needs ear protection. Employers should provide this but this is something to consider in case it’s not provided. If they’re not providing them, then legally they could be liable if your hearing becomes damaged.

Take care when listening to music as this can often be a common thing that most people do, and automatically, we tend to listen to it at a loud volume. Be cautious of how loud you go and stick to a limit. It’s already been mentioned but protect your ears during loud music events if you attend them on a regular basis. And finally, get your hearing tested by an audiologist who can help with any concerns you have over your hearing. A regular hearing test should be done throughout your life to ensure your hearing is as it should be. If not, then there are plenty of solutions and options available for you.

Looking after your hearing is important and causing damage through noise-induced hearing loss can certainly be avoided. If precautions are taken, and there’s more awareness over what decibel volumes are most impacting on the ears, you will hopefully keep your ears safe.

If you’ve got any questions on your hearing or concerns and would like to know more about Advanced Hearing Services call today at (970) 449-0592.